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Center of Gravity
In Shaunta Grimes' middle-grade novel Center of Gravity, a girl loses her mom, and her dad remarries quickly, so she must rebuild her life and friendships.
Tessa is an anxious person, but it's become worse since her mother died a few months ago. To calm herself down she cuts out photos of missing kids―from milk cartons―and keeps them in a file. It helps her feel like she's not alone.
When her dad announces suddenly that he's getting married―and that they're moving, Tessa must navigate new friendships and a new stepmother. She knows she should let go of old habits, but that's easier said than done. Her struggle is one that many readers will understand.
Tessa is an anxious person, but it's become worse since her mother died a few months ago. To calm herself down she cuts out photos of missing kids―from milk cartons―and keeps them in a file. It helps her feel like she's not alone.
When her dad announces suddenly that he's getting married―and that they're moving, Tessa must navigate new friendships and a new stepmother. She knows she should let go of old habits, but that's easier said than done. Her struggle is one that many readers will understand.
240 pages, Paperback
First published March 24, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 14, 2022
I loved following Tessa journey. To an overly anxious kid who suffers from compulsive disorder to a free spirit full of forgiveness and love. Her father, who I have to say I am extremely mad at throughout this book, gets a coworker pregnant and forces Tessa to move from her home where she remembers her dead mother. So off to California where she meets the loser club who takes her in to their group. I would have given this book a 5 star but like I said her father gave no regard to Tessa feelings when he gets his coworker pregnant and forces her to move. I am so mad at him, like Tessa, throughout this book. He has no regards for Tessa and the anxiety she is suffering from. Tessa journey is true to self. She can't stop cutting out lost kids on the back of milk cartons. Do you remember when they did that? She can't stop doing it, will her new friends help her, will she discover freedom from this problem? I do recommend this book. Anxiety sufferers are both young and old and if you have a child with this problem this book would be a help to them. Really worth the read!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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February 20, 2020Doing the best you can is enough.
Nothing has been the same since Tessa's mother died a few months ago. Longing to feel a little less alone, she cuts out the photos of missing children from the milk cartons and keeps them in a file. It's the only thing that quiets her anxiety. But the world's not done spinning. Her friends drift away, and her father announces he's getting married to his pregnant fiance. Then Tessa's forced to move and leave everything she knows behind. More distressed and anxious than ever, she never expects to meet a group of boys who might just have more in common with her then she knows. Will Tessa be able let go of her pain so she can feel okay again?
A story of weeping hearts and new starts. A tale of never forgetting and letting go.
A huge thank you to Feiwel and Friends and Shaunta Grimes for my Goodreads giveaway arc copy! All opinions are my own.
Trigger warnings for grief, depression, negative self-talk, parental illness, parental death, cancer, death of a sibling, OCD (depicted), anxiety, drug addiction, abandonment, alcoholism, and child abuse (physical).
Anxious and hurting, Tessa wasn't ready to deal with all the changes life threw at her. Her grief and anxiety manifested in a loud, almost irrepressible way, that she recognized and valiantly fough against. Both the thought of letting go of her milk cartons as well as the thought of someone finding out about her coping mechanism filled her with a worrisome dread that was all too relatable. As her pain gradually ebbed, her kind heart shone brightly for those she grew to love. I would have loved to have been friends with this empathetic, moral soul. Tessa's compassion for her friends and adaptability had me cheering for her.
The line up of people in Tessa's world certainly got a shake up when she moved to California. Though she needed him more than ever, Tessa's father became even more distant, as he struggled with his own grief and new family. At first Lila, her new stepmother, appeared to be just a pretty face. But she surprised both Tessa and I with her strength and love. Through Tessa's memories we got to see what a wonderful woman her mother was and why it was such a struggle for Tessa to move on. While she might have felt like she left her best friend back home, Jay Jay and The Loosers were waiting for her. Each facing their own set of problems, they understood each other and Tessa like no one else could. The bonds between this tight knit group boys made me weep. I would desperately love to hug this little group who fiercely protected each other. While most of these characters were well drawn, there were a few that felt like they were drawn around the problem they were facing. Nonetheless, I deeply cared about each and every one of them.
Set against the beaches and community centers of 1985 California, we followed Tessa as she fit together the pieces of her new life, without letting go of the best parts of her past. A tale of new and found family, friendship, the ever trying balance of mental health, loss, and love, this contemporary was heavy, yet incredibly sweet. Although there was a lot of telling instead of showing, I was impressed at the depth within Shaunta Grimes's writing. Not only did she manage to capture the way grief infests itself and every corner of our lives and memories, but in all the different ways it loudly and subtly tears us apart from within. Peppered with a few words of 1980s slang, The Center of Gravity alluded to/ discussed many heavy topics, like terminal illness, abandonment, and domestic violence. I truly believe it's vitally important to put this book and ones like it in the hands of children. Tenderly handled, it safely normalized struggles that we all go through and prompts conversations about these troubles. It also encouraged telling someone trusted about what's going on. However, there were a couple of comments about various races that didn't sit right with me. Beautiful, the ending struck the perfect balance of open closure. A story of grief, an overwhelming amount of love, and letting go, this had me sobbing through happy and sad tears.
When you lose your Center of Gravity, you'll find your way back to it, even if it looks a little different.
Nothing has been the same since Tessa's mother died a few months ago. Longing to feel a little less alone, she cuts out the photos of missing children from the milk cartons and keeps them in a file. It's the only thing that quiets her anxiety. But the world's not done spinning. Her friends drift away, and her father announces he's getting married to his pregnant fiance. Then Tessa's forced to move and leave everything she knows behind. More distressed and anxious than ever, she never expects to meet a group of boys who might just have more in common with her then she knows. Will Tessa be able let go of her pain so she can feel okay again?
A story of weeping hearts and new starts. A tale of never forgetting and letting go.
A huge thank you to Feiwel and Friends and Shaunta Grimes for my Goodreads giveaway arc copy! All opinions are my own.
Trigger warnings for grief, depression, negative self-talk, parental illness, parental death, cancer, death of a sibling, OCD (depicted), anxiety, drug addiction, abandonment, alcoholism, and child abuse (physical).
Anxious and hurting, Tessa wasn't ready to deal with all the changes life threw at her. Her grief and anxiety manifested in a loud, almost irrepressible way, that she recognized and valiantly fough against. Both the thought of letting go of her milk cartons as well as the thought of someone finding out about her coping mechanism filled her with a worrisome dread that was all too relatable. As her pain gradually ebbed, her kind heart shone brightly for those she grew to love. I would have loved to have been friends with this empathetic, moral soul. Tessa's compassion for her friends and adaptability had me cheering for her.
The line up of people in Tessa's world certainly got a shake up when she moved to California. Though she needed him more than ever, Tessa's father became even more distant, as he struggled with his own grief and new family. At first Lila, her new stepmother, appeared to be just a pretty face. But she surprised both Tessa and I with her strength and love. Through Tessa's memories we got to see what a wonderful woman her mother was and why it was such a struggle for Tessa to move on. While she might have felt like she left her best friend back home, Jay Jay and The Loosers were waiting for her. Each facing their own set of problems, they understood each other and Tessa like no one else could. The bonds between this tight knit group boys made me weep. I would desperately love to hug this little group who fiercely protected each other. While most of these characters were well drawn, there were a few that felt like they were drawn around the problem they were facing. Nonetheless, I deeply cared about each and every one of them.
Set against the beaches and community centers of 1985 California, we followed Tessa as she fit together the pieces of her new life, without letting go of the best parts of her past. A tale of new and found family, friendship, the ever trying balance of mental health, loss, and love, this contemporary was heavy, yet incredibly sweet. Although there was a lot of telling instead of showing, I was impressed at the depth within Shaunta Grimes's writing. Not only did she manage to capture the way grief infests itself and every corner of our lives and memories, but in all the different ways it loudly and subtly tears us apart from within. Peppered with a few words of 1980s slang, The Center of Gravity alluded to/ discussed many heavy topics, like terminal illness, abandonment, and domestic violence. I truly believe it's vitally important to put this book and ones like it in the hands of children. Tenderly handled, it safely normalized struggles that we all go through and prompts conversations about these troubles. It also encouraged telling someone trusted about what's going on. However, there were a couple of comments about various races that didn't sit right with me. Beautiful, the ending struck the perfect balance of open closure. A story of grief, an overwhelming amount of love, and letting go, this had me sobbing through happy and sad tears.
When you lose your Center of Gravity, you'll find your way back to it, even if it looks a little different.
June 1, 2021
Well written characters. Realistic storyline.
Read
January 23, 2022Ouch my heart.
April 20, 2020
Shaunta Grimes’ Center of Gravity is realistic, moving, and inspiring. This fast-paced middle-grade novel highlights a young girl’s struggle to deal with her mother’s death while adjusting to a newly blended family with a new stepmother and step-sibling on the way. If you enjoy middle-grade books about blended families, children dealing with death and grief, or ones about friendships, you’ll enjoy this one. Honestly, it deserves better ratings than it currently has on Goodreads! I would definitely recommend it.
Read my full review on my blog.
Read my full review on my blog.
April 4, 2020
Thank you to the author and Fiewel & Friends for sharing an ARC with #bookexpedition.
Set in 1985, seventh grade Tessa has a lot on her shoulders. Her mom has recently passed away from cancer, her best friend is pulling away, and her dad is working later and later at his school. To keep her anxiety in check, Tessa collects the photos of missing kids on milk cartons and memorizes their information. It helps her feel like she’s not alone.
To add to these changes, Tessa’s dad shares that the reason he’s been “working” late is because of a new library assistant at his school named Lila. Lila’s pregnant, and he and Lila decide to get married and move the family to California where Lila’s parents have left her a beach house.
Once in California, Tessa navigates living with Lila and her dad and a new friend group, the “Losers,” who are obsessed with a foosball tournament and winning the prize money. Tessa must focus on balancing her collection of milk carton photos, figuring out her place in her family and new friend group, and what to do with information she learns about two of her new friends.
Set in 1985, seventh grade Tessa has a lot on her shoulders. Her mom has recently passed away from cancer, her best friend is pulling away, and her dad is working later and later at his school. To keep her anxiety in check, Tessa collects the photos of missing kids on milk cartons and memorizes their information. It helps her feel like she’s not alone.
To add to these changes, Tessa’s dad shares that the reason he’s been “working” late is because of a new library assistant at his school named Lila. Lila’s pregnant, and he and Lila decide to get married and move the family to California where Lila’s parents have left her a beach house.
Once in California, Tessa navigates living with Lila and her dad and a new friend group, the “Losers,” who are obsessed with a foosball tournament and winning the prize money. Tessa must focus on balancing her collection of milk carton photos, figuring out her place in her family and new friend group, and what to do with information she learns about two of her new friends.
September 10, 2020
I don't love the end, which leaves two children dangling from it. Other than that though, this novel rings true on a number of levels. Nothing is perfect, everyone is a bit complex and also a bit fuzzy around the edges of our main character's understanding, and the plot isn't so complex as to feel fabricated in any way. A lovely piece of realism
November 22, 2020
The one thing that you really have to remember with this book is that it's set in 1985 and you can't forget it, otherwise things don't make sense, like a shotgun wedding and possibly being fired for getting a girl pregnant out of wedlock.
Yes this is a children's book and the father in this book makes so many bad choices that it leads to what I said above as well as his daughter developing anxiety and possible OCD. Poor Tessa has lost her mom only 18 months ago when she's forced to move states away from her only other family besides her father because of his stupid choices.
I felt a strong connection with Tessa and I loved her story even if all of the adults were idiots.
Yes this is a children's book and the father in this book makes so many bad choices that it leads to what I said above as well as his daughter developing anxiety and possible OCD. Poor Tessa has lost her mom only 18 months ago when she's forced to move states away from her only other family besides her father because of his stupid choices.
I felt a strong connection with Tessa and I loved her story even if all of the adults were idiots.
February 22, 2021
Yes, I AM that person that bought this partly because it has a beautiful cover. But I also have a weakness for sad middle grade books and this one definitely fits the bill. I really liked how it explored how difficult it would be to have zero control over your life as a middle schooler. But the level of sadness was pretty off the charts since not only has Tessa lost her mother, her father remarries, and they move several states away but one of her new friends is being physically abused by his mother.
I thought the ending was an interesting choice as the boys ended up running away and, although they leave a postcard saying they are fine, Tessa and readers don't really know if this is true.
Overall, I liked this one. I really liked Tessa and the ways she processed her grief. I liked her relationship with Lila who is only 10 years older than she is. As an adult reading this, I would have liked to have seen more of her stepmother but it's not written for adults! : ) An excellent read but definitely sad throughout.
I thought the ending was an interesting choice as the boys ended up running away and, although they leave a postcard saying they are fine, Tessa and readers don't really know if this is true.
Overall, I liked this one. I really liked Tessa and the ways she processed her grief. I liked her relationship with Lila who is only 10 years older than she is. As an adult reading this, I would have liked to have seen more of her stepmother but it's not written for adults! : ) An excellent read but definitely sad throughout.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2021
I did not finish the book, but so far it is good!
March 18, 2021
Tessa just wants to be a normal middle schooler. She is in so many ways except for the fact she has a compulsion to collect missing kids off of milk cartons and she just can’t make herself stop. It all started after her mom passed away. Then, her dad comes home with a big announcement, and her entire life changes once again. She has to learn how to deal with the changes, handle her deep grief, and make (and hopefully keep) new friends.
What a powerful, simple MG novel. This book will rip your heart to shreds as you ache for Tessa and feel her struggle. Many of us who have struggled with grief will see ourselves reflected in Tessa and really that's what makes this such an important book. The book also touches on abuse, blended families, and ocd (though not by name).
I would definitely recommend this book. Easy to physically read but very heavy on the heart. Well done Grimes! 5/5 stars.
What a powerful, simple MG novel. This book will rip your heart to shreds as you ache for Tessa and feel her struggle. Many of us who have struggled with grief will see ourselves reflected in Tessa and really that's what makes this such an important book. The book also touches on abuse, blended families, and ocd (though not by name).
I would definitely recommend this book. Easy to physically read but very heavy on the heart. Well done Grimes! 5/5 stars.
February 20, 2020
Some of my favorite books are the ones that are a little bit sad. Okay a lot a bit sad. Ones that are painfully realistic, but culminate in a resounding message of hope. I love middle grade novels that show the strength kids possess. We'd like to think that people under a certain age are shielded from dealing with tough "grown up" things, but that's just not true. Whether it's dealing with anxiety, loneliness, poverty, abuse, absent parents, moving, or sudden changes to family, there's no age restrictions. The characters in this novel are all struggling to figure out how to live with their own individual misfortunes. The voice is authentic, the characters relatable. Tessa's growth throughout the novel happens at such a perfect pace, changing subtly as she tries to find footing in her life.
February 25, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It is solidly middle grade, with great character development. It takes place in 1985 but mostly that some through while talking about hairstyles and the fact the kids play foosball instead of video games. There is family drama, OCD behavior, a move, and new friendships. The characters are likable with realistic problems that kids face today (death, finding new friends, family problems). I liked seeing the relationships Tessa developed with her stepmother and “The Losers.” I’d hand this to 5th and 6th graders looking for realistic fiction. #ARC #Netgalley
August 13, 2021
Well, the Dad really fucked up everything, didn't he? I'd have been pretty upset with everyone to be honest but these middle grade characters are more mature than me. I liked the OCD rep that was really interesting I wish there was even more back up story about that.
November 19, 2020
It was interesting, but it was hard for me to get into for some reason, so I didn't finish it.
February 16, 2022
"Adults think they know everything, but sometimes they miss the most important parts."
Tessa Hart had to lose her mom in an early age and by grieving, she started to collect milk cartons that has missing children picture on it. It's not just a collection, she only took the one she hasn't possessed, and that means she had to check every carton in the cooler. Unfortunately, this behavior of her made people thinks how weird she is. Even her best friend, Megan, seems to keep a distance with her.
Worse, his father, a teacher, came later and later everyday. And one day he went home with a young lady, telling Tessa he was going to marry her and move to California.
This book annoyed me since the beginning. I've take the warning, a stepmother and a new house, but still, it's annoyed me. How could an adult be so reckless and selfish like him. And a teacher! I know that they were grieving. I know a man needs someone to comfort him, especially after his wife died. But it's too soon. Not only it hurts Tessa's heart, people would think he had no feeling left for his ex-wife. I just wish he could be a better adult, who think before act, and includes his daughter in decision making. Though I understood the circumstances and accept it in the end, this father figure still disappointed me.
The stepmother, though unimpressive at first, is a bit better than her new husband. Though annoying like a young mistress, at least she tried, and she showed it. And she's too young, idealist, and unprepared.
This middle grade book is not a book for fun. It left something. Something to digest. And it taught me about family bonding, and though everyone has their own family problem, someone might still think other people family is better than theirs.
Tessa Hart had to lose her mom in an early age and by grieving, she started to collect milk cartons that has missing children picture on it. It's not just a collection, she only took the one she hasn't possessed, and that means she had to check every carton in the cooler. Unfortunately, this behavior of her made people thinks how weird she is. Even her best friend, Megan, seems to keep a distance with her.
Worse, his father, a teacher, came later and later everyday. And one day he went home with a young lady, telling Tessa he was going to marry her and move to California.
This book annoyed me since the beginning. I've take the warning, a stepmother and a new house, but still, it's annoyed me. How could an adult be so reckless and selfish like him. And a teacher! I know that they were grieving. I know a man needs someone to comfort him, especially after his wife died. But it's too soon. Not only it hurts Tessa's heart, people would think he had no feeling left for his ex-wife. I just wish he could be a better adult, who think before act, and includes his daughter in decision making. Though I understood the circumstances and accept it in the end, this father figure still disappointed me.
The stepmother, though unimpressive at first, is a bit better than her new husband. Though annoying like a young mistress, at least she tried, and she showed it. And she's too young, idealist, and unprepared.
This middle grade book is not a book for fun. It left something. Something to digest. And it taught me about family bonding, and though everyone has their own family problem, someone might still think other people family is better than theirs.
December 30, 2022
I found this story quite refreshing. Number one, there was no homosexuality. Two, there was a girl and she had a problem, but she didn't have to get therapy or have help from people. She was just able to continue life and roll with its punches and get through the problem. Yes, she had help, but the people that helped didn't even know they were helping. They were just being themselves. It was a sad story. It was a happy story. It was a victorious story. I liked reading about how the author came up with a lot of the story from some of her own experiences. I liked that when she found out the book originally wasn't going to work, her lady on the phone stayed with her on the phone even while she fell apart with the disappointing news. I'm glad she stuck with it. I'm thankful to have gotten to read this story, and this book was sent to me at my house for free because of Goodreads Giveaways. I couldn't really figure out exactly why it is titled as it is, but I'm sure there's just something I'm not catching and it doesn't bother me that I don't understand the point of the title. I also had one thing I'm going to write down in my Keepers journal. It's this thing here: "What if I get scared? What if I do something awful that I can't take back, like run away or scream? Even if he never knows, I will."
July 16, 2022
Center of Gravity by Shaunta Grimes is under juvenile fiction and literature. The story revolves around Tessa's changing life after her mother's death. I liked how the story revolved around friendship and rebuilding family life. When life doesn't fit the picture that used to exist, change is necessary. For Tessa that meant having new friends who appreciate her for who she is. She collects cardboard information about missing kids because deep down it makes her feel like they will come back. At the end of the story, she doesn't feel the need to collect the cardboard information which I didn't completely understand. I think it means that she's come to adapt to her new life in a new state with her dad and stepmother. She learns that not every child has a safe home, and although her new home is different, she is loved and protected. I do believe that this story shows the differences between a loving versus toxic household.
My only issue with the book is how it's not completely age-appropriate for juveniles. In the story, her stepmother is her father's young coworker who he impregnated after a few months after his wife's death. There are also some terms that I felt uncomfortable with for the genre it was under.
My only issue with the book is how it's not completely age-appropriate for juveniles. In the story, her stepmother is her father's young coworker who he impregnated after a few months after his wife's death. There are also some terms that I felt uncomfortable with for the genre it was under.
May 16, 2021
All right, my guilty pleasure is staring at the cover. This one especially so. I have never seen such effort in a cover of a book.
Honestly, this was similar to other children's books. But what stood out for me is the way I could relate to Tessa. Her little quirk was also something I appreciated. It adds a sense of reality to the character.
I've been at that point where I had just joined a new group of people to be friends with. Also, I like the realistic boy and girl friendships which is something I am in. The author conveyed being friends with boys quite accurately. This book wasn't full of girls just because the character is a girl. Girls can be friends with boys too.
I know I should be using gender neutral words but in this book everything is pretty much black and white. Well, except Tessa. We may sympathise with her because her father made her move to some random place and marry some random person out of nowhere, but does she truly deserve it? After all, Lila IS pretty nice. Of course Lila will not live up to the expectations that Tessa has because her first mother was amazing.
I just like the interpretations this book has. I suppose that is it.
Honestly, this was similar to other children's books. But what stood out for me is the way I could relate to Tessa. Her little quirk was also something I appreciated. It adds a sense of reality to the character.
I've been at that point where I had just joined a new group of people to be friends with. Also, I like the realistic boy and girl friendships which is something I am in. The author conveyed being friends with boys quite accurately. This book wasn't full of girls just because the character is a girl. Girls can be friends with boys too.
I know I should be using gender neutral words but in this book everything is pretty much black and white. Well, except Tessa. We may sympathise with her because her father made her move to some random place and marry some random person out of nowhere, but does she truly deserve it? After all, Lila IS pretty nice. Of course Lila will not live up to the expectations that Tessa has because her first mother was amazing.
I just like the interpretations this book has. I suppose that is it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2020
This is a middle grade book that reminds me of a lot of other books out there. It follows the story of 7th grader Tessa who is struggling to cope with grief after the loss of her mother. Her dad, a character I really didn’t like, gets a 23 years old pregnant and they decide to get married. The same day Tessa meets this woman is the same day she finds out she is going to have her as a step mother with a sibling on the way. She also will have to move to a new state! This book has strong themes of dealing with grief, change, and hard times. However, I didn’t connect as much to Tessa as a character. I felt an emotional disconnection because there was more of a focus on her obsession with kids on milk cartons than her emotions. It fell flat compared to other middle grade books that I’ve read in other similar themes. The themes reminded me of The Truth About Jellyfish or the Miscalculations of Lightning Girl, both I really enjoyed. This book was decent and an easy read but fell a little flat to me.
Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my review!
Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my review!
July 1, 2020
I loved this book about a young girl whose whole life seems to be turned upside quickly and unexpectedly. I initially was discouraged because I thought most of the adults in the book were acting irresponsibly and I didn’t want the book to be a display of children acting more mature than the adults. But the story moved along on a better trajectory when it turned to focus more on the relationship between the Tessa and her new group of maybe friends. I liked the fact that Tessa knew her obsession with the milk cartons was not healthy; she was self aware. And her dad allowed her time, instead of making it a big deal. In the end, when she was more mentally prepared to deal with her life, her new friend was there to help her, and in turn help him. I will be recommending this book to any reader looking for a book with a strong empathetic tone.
September 6, 2021
Oh. My. Goodness.
If you haven't read Center of Gravity by ShauntaGrimes, shame on you.
Don't tell me you've never heard of it. I just told you to read it.
When Tessa's widowed father remarries and moves his new family to California, Tessa knows life will never be the same, especially since her new stepmother is pregnant and Tessa doesn't know anyone in her new home place. She makes friends fast, finding herself the sole female member of a neighborhood foosball team. As she finishes the months of summer with foosball tournament preparations, getting a babysitting job, and manning a lemonade stand, Tessa matures in her emotions but continues to struggle with pasts ghosts. Center of Gravity is a MUST READ for all age groups.
If you haven't read Center of Gravity by ShauntaGrimes, shame on you.
Don't tell me you've never heard of it. I just told you to read it.
When Tessa's widowed father remarries and moves his new family to California, Tessa knows life will never be the same, especially since her new stepmother is pregnant and Tessa doesn't know anyone in her new home place. She makes friends fast, finding herself the sole female member of a neighborhood foosball team. As she finishes the months of summer with foosball tournament preparations, getting a babysitting job, and manning a lemonade stand, Tessa matures in her emotions but continues to struggle with pasts ghosts. Center of Gravity is a MUST READ for all age groups.
February 20, 2020
I received an advanced reader's edition of the book. The book is geared for kids aged 8-12, and even though I'm in my 30s, I found the story interesting enough. While the main character's are dealing with some grown up issues, loss of parents/siblings, new step parents, cross-country moves...the author does a good job at keeping them age appropriate. It's not a light hearted, super fun read, but isn't one to skip either.
November 25, 2021
This book was… wow. I loved the ending, even if it the Petey and Marvel problem wasn’t completely and clearly solved. It made me happy to see Tessa become better friends with Lila, and I was content with the way the storyline played out. I did feel like the loose ends weren’t tied up with the football contest, and I was kind of left feeling like it wasn’t enough of a part of the book as it should’ve been. Overall, 3.5 stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2020
I truly enjoyed this YA novel by Shaunta Grimes. I got wrapped up in the story and related well with the main character, Tessa, as well as with her dad and stepmom. It was quite a quick read for me!
I thought the story wrapped up well, but I still did not want it to end.
I thought the story wrapped up well, but I still did not want it to end.
April 8, 2020
Amazing story telling!!!!
Shaunta is a true artist with an amazing gift for telling a truly compelling story. She drew me into the story immediately and I did not want to put it down once.
Shaunta is a true artist with an amazing gift for telling a truly compelling story. She drew me into the story immediately and I did not want to put it down once.
May 31, 2021
Appreciate a book that openly deals with grief, loss and change, not to mention having the main character deal with anxiety and OCD. Very relatable and hopeful. This book provides comfort that life goes on and healing is possible.
December 12, 2021
This is my comfort read and it’s soooo good. I love this book with all my heart and I re-read it all the time!
January 31, 2023
a touching story about grief and friends, with the right amount of plot. 3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
February 12, 2023
2.5 stars. Colorado book even though most of it took place in California. Idk. So eh. I couldn’t get into it. The last 40 pages were okay, though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews